Jul 15, 2011

How many of you swore forever that you'd only have one cat? You don't need more than that, you said. All that poop scooping, the vet bills, the cat hair...

And then somehow, for some reason, you caved.

That's exactly how it happened in our house. Pimp was an only child for 10 whole years, the king of the condo, the mayor of the apartment, the only child.

It never even occurred to me to get him a friend early on, and after years of him being used to peace and quiet and hogging the whole bed or couch, I figured he was just too old to throw another cat or kitten in the mix. I couldn't do it to him, I always said.

I turned away more than a few strays that showed up at my front door. I wrestled with my love of my parking lot kitties, The Meows, and not being able to bring them home, I ooohed and awwwed at kitten after kitten at adoption centers -- but I never caved. I just couldn't do it to Pimp.

Don't know what it was about that silly spotted kitty that made me change my decade-long resistance, but whatever it was, I'm so glad I did!

Seriously, when people say two cats are better than one, they're not just saying that. They are! More cuddles, more love, more meows, more purrs! And if one of them doesn't feel like snuggling, the other one probably does. I'm never, ever, ever lonely or alone (sometimes to the point of annoyance, but that doesn't last long).

And Pimp? He's just fine and I think that secretly (he'll never admit it or show it publicly), he loves him and is glad he's around.

Now, when I leave for work all day or for a weekend away, I know they have each other to keep themselves company.

Yeah, I scoop poop more and have a little bit more vet bills, but I think I still come out ahead. I have two furry sons now, and I can't imagine life without BOTH of them.

I'm not getting a third one though... Yet.

Do you have more than one pet? Thinking about it? Pets Add Life (PAL) is celebrating multiple pet households. They're all about how pets add life to our lives. And they do! Check out PAL on Facebook.

This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership, which is nice, of course, but I would have done it anyway! :)

Jul 13, 2011

The humans laid out bubble wrap on the group of the cats' patio while the cats watched anxiously and curiously to see what was going on, knowing something special was being set up for them. Then, when they were finally allowed out, they all ran out and were a little surprised by the bubbles under their feet!

Don't worry, no cats were harmed in the making of this video, most of the popping sounds were actually made my humans popping bubble wrap (fun!) and the next day the cats were all out there lounging on the bubble wrap like it had been there forever. :)

Scroll down to see how to enter, but first, here's everything the lucky winner gets:

It’s time to upgrade to a smarter, fresher litter box! The clumps are deposited into a covered bin where the Activated Carbon Filter absorbs and eliminates odor. For clean up, just empty the No-Touch Waste Bag from the waste bin, tie it and toss it. Based on a single cat household, bags are often changed about once a week and filters are changed once a month. The SmartScoop Self-Scooping Litter Box is $149.99 value and comes with everything you need for 6 months (over a $40 value!): 24 No-Touch Waste Bags, 6 Activated Carbon Filters and a Litter Catching Ramp and Mat.

HOW TO ENTER (There are LOTS of ways!):

1. Leave a comment below and tell us how many times a day you have to scoop the litter box.2. Follow @SmartScoopStan on Twitter (and leave a comment to say you did!)3. "Like" SmartScoop on Facebook (and leave a comment that you did!)4. Subscribe to Cute by email (up there on the very top left) and tell us you did!

So, basically, everyone can leave up to 4 comments for 4 entries! If you are already following or "like" or subscribed by email, leave a comment to say you are and that counts, too!

All entries must be received by midnight EST, Tuesday July 19. I'll pick a random winner on Wednesday and make the big announcement soon after! U.S. shipping only. Good luck!